Anyone with a sweet tooth, or wanting to put some baking away for the holidays got a real treat Saturday.
For three hours, the 4th Annual Cookie Walk for the North Bay Food Bank was packed with people stocking up on cookies and squares of all varieties.
A performance by the North Bay Ukulele Club had people singing and dancing in the aisles at Burrows Country Store and Garden Centre.
People had their pick of the donated baking, walking out with boxes filled with dozens of treats.
The culinary arts program at Canadore College donated 200 dozen cookies.
Store owner Bob Hudson called the event a huge success, with every cent going to the food bank.
“We love to be involved in the community, and this is just great because we usually are fairly busy with Christmas trees and other items at this time of year. So that is how it started, we thought let’s just have it here, because there will be a lot of people here,” explained Hudson.
“Now it has kind of taken on a life of its own. It has taken over the store which is awesome. It is so much fun, and we raise a lot of money for the Food Bank, so it is a great marriage between the two.”
Manager of the North Bay Food Bank, Amber Livingstone, noted that the event continues to grow in popularity.
“It just gets more and more fun every year. We see different faces every year, and it just gives you that festive spirit. We get pumped up with great music, and seeing all these people who love cookies. It is something just as simple as cookies. Everyone who loves cookies comes together and has a great day.”
Chris Cockerline and his family try not to miss out on the chance to get some homemade baking while helping an important cause.
“It is always a lot of fun. It is a big part of our Christmas season.”
This fundraiser will help the food bank keep its shelves stocked.
“Monetary donations are always necessary to keep the doors open, and keep things moving. It allows us to buy what we need. And the biggest thing about monetary donations is there’s no best before date on it,” explained Livingstone.
“We do have food that comes in, and we have to check all the best before dates to make sure we’re within a specific guideline. And sometimes, we time travel and go back in time. So with monetary donations, you don’t go back in time.”
The first cookie walk raised around $2,500.
“Last year we were about 60 cents short of $5,000. It was crazy. We’re dealing in cookies in here. It is more about putting the fun back in fundraising with this event. So it is nice to see smiling faces, swap some cookies out for some cash and everyone goes home with a good feeling in their heart, and some cookies in their belly.”